JP2022527258A - Fixed device - Google Patents

Abstract

The fixing device (10) for fixing the elongated article (12) includes a rotatable clamp member (22) and a support mechanism for supporting the clamp member (22). The clamp member (22) is rotatably mounted on the support mechanism. The fixation device (10) defines a path (30) for the elongated article (12). The clamp member (22) is rotatably movable in the path (30). The support mechanism further includes an urging forming portion (20) for urging the clamp member (22) to the clamp position in the path (30). [Selection diagram] Fig. 2

Description

The present invention relates to a fixed device. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a fixed device for suspending an item from an elongated article. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a fixed device that incorporates a rotatable clamp member.

Hanging signs and other articles from wires typically uses devices that are time consuming and difficult to install. Such a device may include a passage through which the wire can extend and a clamp mechanism comprising a wedge or roller and a compression spring that urges the wedge or roller to clamp-engage the wire. However, it is often difficult to remove the device after the load has been applied for some time.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a fixing device for fixing an elongated article is provided, the fixing device includes a rotatable clamp member, a support mechanism for supporting the clamp member, and the clamp member is on the support mechanism. Rotatably mounted, the fixation device defines a path for the elongated article, the clamp member is rotatably movable in the path, and the support mechanism urges the clamp member to the clamp position in the path. Further includes an urging forming portion for doing so.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a fixing mechanism comprising the fixing device and the elongated article described in the preceding paragraph.

From this, in one embodiment, urging the clamp member to the clamp position when the elongated article extends along the path causes the clamp member to move and clamp engage with the elongated article. The clamp member can be clamp-engaged with the elongated article by being urged by the urging form as the elongated article extends along the path.

The support mechanism may include a pivot forming portion for rotatably mounting the clamp member on the support mechanism.

The elongated article can be a monofilament, such as a monofilament made of a plastic material. The monofilament can be formed from nylon. It will be appreciated that the elongated article may, as an alternative, be a wire, wire rope, cable, or the like made of metal.

The support mechanism may include a rotatable carriage. The carriage may be configured to support the clamp member. The clamp member may be held on the carriage. The rotation of the carriage can result in the rotation of the clamp member. The bias forming portion may be provided on the carriage. The carriage may be rotatable to move the clamp member away from the clamp position. The rotation of the carriage away from the clamp position can be a move to the release position of the carriage.

The rotation of the carriage to the open position can be the rotation of the carriage in the opposite direction of the rotation of the carriage to the clamp position. When the carriage is rotated to the release position, the elongated article can be released, thereby allowing the elongated article to move longitudinally with respect to the fixed device.

The carriage can be made of plastic material. The urging section can be formed from a plastic material. The urging form can be formed integrally with the carriage. The carriage and the urging forming portion may be a molded product.

The carriage may include an outer portion. The outer portion may extend around the inner region of the carriage. The carriage may include an inner portion extending across the inner region. The inner part can extend across the outer part.

The inner part and the outer part can be formed integrally with each other. The inner part can be elongated. The outer portion may define an opposed access forming portion to allow access to and from the inner region of the carriage by an elongated article. The facing access forming portions can be first and second slots.

The inner portion may have first and second support surfaces facing in opposite directions. The urging forming portion may be provided on the first support surface. The urging form can be integral with the inner portion.

The outer portion may extend around the urging formation. The urging forming portion may rise and extend from the outer portion. The bias forming portion may be provided on the inner portion. The inner portion and the urging forming portion can be integrally formed with each other.

The carriage may be rotatably urged by the urging section in a first direction to move the clamp member in the path. The carriage may be rotatably moved in the opposite second direction, for example by the user, in order to move the clamp member off the path. From this, when the clamp member is in the clamp-engaged state with the elongated article, the rotation of the carriage in the second direction moves the clamp member out of engagement with the elongated article.

The carriage may include a handle portion to allow the user to rotate the carriage in a second direction. Desirably, the carriage comprises two of the handle portions. The handle portions may be arranged substantially opposite to each other. The handle portion may be provided on the outer portion of the carriage.

The fixed device may include an engaging surface. The engaging surface can engage the elongated article when the clamping member is urged and clamp-engaged with the elongated article.

The elongated article can be clamped by the clamping member to the engaging surface when the clamping member is urged and clamp-engaged with the elongated article. The engaging surface may apply a reaction force to the elongated article as it is clamped to the engaging surface.

The fixing device may include a housing for accommodating the clamp member. The carriage may be rotatably mounted on the housing.

The housing may comprise a wall, which may extend around an internal area of the housing. The wall can be cylindrical. The wall may define a pair of opposing openings to which elongated articles can extend. Opposing openings can define a path for an elongated article, the path extending between the opposing openings of each pair.

Each pair of facing openings may comprise an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The elongated article can be inserted into the housing through the inlet opening. The elongated article can exit the housing through the outlet opening.

The engaging surface may be provided on the housing. The wall may include an engaging member, which may comprise a segment of the wall. The engaging surface can be the surface of the engaging member. The engaging surface can be the inward facing surface of the housing. The engaging surface can be substantially flat. The path can extend along the engagement surface. The housing can be made of plastic material.

The housing may include a support portion for supporting the pivot forming portion. The support portion may include a plurality of elongated support members extending from the wall to the central member.

The pivot forming portion may be provided on the central member. The support portion may include a flange member extending outward from the wall. The flange member may extend radially outward from the wall. The outer portion of the carriage may be supported by a flange member.

The pivot formation can extend through the internal area of the housing. The pivot formation may include a pivot protrusion.

The carriage may define an aperture for receiving the pivot formation. The pivot formation unit may rotatably mount the carriage on the housing. The delimiter defined by the carriage can be the central aperture. The central aperture may be defined by the inner portion of the carriage.

The clamp member may comprise a main portion and a clamp surface on the main portion, the clamp surface being intended to provide the aforementioned clamp engagement with an elongated article. The main part may define an aperture with an extended pivot protrusion for rotatably mounting the clamp member on the housing. If desired, the aperture defined by the main part can be elongated.

The aperture defined by the main part can be the central aperture of the clamp member. The aperture defined by the clamp member may be aligned with the aperture defined by the carriage.

The pivot portion may extend through the aperture in the carriage and through the aperture in the clamp member. The clamp member may be rotatably mounted on the housing by a carriage.

The urging of the clamp member in the first direction by the urging forming portion may urge the clamp surface to the path. Rotation of the carriage in the second direction can move the clamp surface off the path.

The urging forming portion can be an elastic urging forming portion. The urging forming portion may include an urging member. The urging member can be elongated.

The bias forming portion may include a hub portion. The urging member may extend from the hub portion. The urging member can be a spring member. The spring member can be an elongated linear spring member.

The fixation device may also apply a reaction force to the urge formation portion, whereby the urge formation portion may include a reaction surface for urging the clamp member to the clamp position. The fixed device may include a reaction member, the reaction member having a reaction surface.

The fixed device may include a cover, which may be placed on the housing to cover the carriage. The reaction surface can be provided on the cover. The cover can be made of plastic material.

The housing may have a first fastening formation and the cover may have a corresponding second fastening forming to secure the housing to the cover in cooperation with the first fastening forming. The first fastening forming portion may be provided on the wall.

The housing may have two of the first fastening forming portions. The cover may have two of the corresponding second forming portions, each of the first fastening forming portions working with each one of the second fastening forming portions to secure the housing to the cover. do. Both of the first fastening forming portions can be provided on the wall.

The cover and housing may be provided with cooperating fixing means for fixing the cover to the housing. The cooperating fixing means may include a detent member and an aperture for receiving the detent member. Desirably, the collaborative fixing means may comprise a pair of detents and a pair of apertures, each aperture being configured to accept one of each of the detents.

The detent may be provided on the housing. The wall may define a recess. The detent may be provided in the recess. The delimitation can be defined by the cover. The cover may have a protrusion that defines the aperture.

The clamp member may include two of the clamp surfaces on the main part. The clamp surfaces can face each other. The clamp surface can face in the opposite direction from the main part.

The fixed device may delimit two of the aforementioned routes. The wall may define two pairs of opposing openings in which elongated articles extend. The opposing openings in each pair may demarcate the respective path for each path of the elongated article. The path can extend between opposing openings in each pair of opposing openings.

The elongated article can be placed in two paths of the same elongated article, or it can be two separate elongated articles.

The urging of the clamp member in the first direction by the urging forming portion can rotatably urge each clamp surface into one of the paths. Rotation of the carriage in the second direction may move each clamp surface off its path. Each path may extend along the opposite side of each of the clamp members.

The rotation of the carriage in the second direction can be a move to the release position of the carriage. When the carriage is rotated to the release position, the elongated article can be released, thereby allowing the elongated article to move longitudinally with respect to the fixed device.

One elongated article may be provided. As an alternative, two elongated articles may be provided. The fixation mechanism may include two paths of a single elongated article, or two of the elongated articles.

The clamp member can be urged and clamp-engaged with the path of both the elongated article or both the elongated articles. Each clamp surface can be clamped and engaged with one of each of the elongated or elongated articles, urged by the urging forming section.

The fixed device may include two of the engaging surfaces. The engaging surface can be an opposing engaging surface. The engaging surfaces can face each other.

Each of the engaging surfaces may comprise the respective inner surface of a segment of the wall. Each engaging surface can be substantially flat. Each path may extend along one of the engaging surfaces.

When the clamp member is urged to the clamp position, each of the engaging surfaces may engage each path of the elongated article or each one of the elongated articles. Each path of the elongated article or each elongated article can be clamped by the clamping member to its respective engaging surface when the clamping member is urged to the clamping position.

Each engaging surface may apply a reaction force to each path or each elongated article as it is clamped to the engaging surface.

The clamp member may include two of the clamp surfaces on the main part. The urging section may urge each of the clamp surfaces to each one of the paths. Rotation of the carriage in the second direction can move both clamp surfaces off their respective paths.

The urging forming portion may include two of the above-mentioned urging members. Each urging member can be an elastic urging member. Each urging member can be elongated.

Each of the urging members can be a spring member. Each spring member can be an elongated linear spring member. The spring member may extend in the opposite direction from the hub portion.

The fixed device may apply a reaction force to the urging forming portion, whereby the urging forming portion may be provided with two of the reaction surfaces for urging the clamp member to the clamp position. Each reaction surface can be provided on the cover.

The fixed device comprises two of the reaction members, each reaction member having its own reaction surface. The reaction surface can be the opposite reaction surface. The reaction surfaces can face each other.

Both urging members may extend from the hub portion. The urging member may extend in the opposite direction from the hub portion. Each urging member may have a proximal end attached to the hub portion. Each urging member may have a tip separated from the hub portion. The tip of each urging member may engage the respective reaction surface.

The carriage and the clamp member may be provided with a collaborative holding formation for holding the clamp member on the carriage, thereby allowing the clamp member and the carriage to rotate together. The clamp member may be held on the second support surface. The second support surface and the clamp member may be provided with a corresponding holding forming portion for holding the clamp member on the second support surface.

A clearance arrangement may be defined between the carriage of the fixed device and other components to allow linear motion of the clamp member. The clearance arrangement may include a clearance between the housing and the carriage.

The clearance arrangement may include a clearance between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage. Alternatively or additionally, the clearance arrangement may include a clearance between the pivot forming portion and the clamp member. The clearance arrangement may include a clearance between the clamp member and the holding formation on the carriage.

The rotation of the clamp member to the clamp position can be in the plane of rotation. The linear motion of the clamp member can also be in the plane of rotation. From this, the clamp member can move linearly and rotatably with respect to the carriage in the same plane.

The gap between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage can be in the range 1.72% to 5.3% of the outer diameter of the wall of the housing. Desirably, the gap between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage is in the range of 2.32% to 4.7% of the outer diameter of the wall of the housing. Preferably, the gap between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage is in the range of 2.92% to 4.1% of the outer diameter of the wall of the housing. A more preferred clearance between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage can be substantially 3.51% of the outer diameter of the wall of the housing.

The outer diameter of the housing wall can be substantially 17.4 mm. The clearance between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage can be in the range of 0.30 mm to 0.92 mm. Desirably, the clearance between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage is in the range of 0.40 mm to 0.82 mm. Preferably, the clearance between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage is in the range of 0.51 mm to 0.71 mm. A more preferred clearance between the wall of the housing and the outer portion of the carriage can be substantially 0.61 mm.

The gap between the clamp member and the holding forming portion, in the embodiments described herein, is such that the clamp member makes a linear motion with respect to the carriage to accommodate a difference in diameter of one or more elongated articles. Provides the advantage of being able to. This ensures a firm engagement between the clamp member and the or each elongated article.

The collaborative retention formations may include protrusions and cavities for receiving the protrusions. One of the protrusions and cavities can be on the carriage. One of the protrusions and cavities can be on the aforementioned inner portion of the carriage. The other of the protrusions and cavities can be on the clamp member.

The protrusions may be provided on the carriage. Desirably, the protrusions are provided on the inner portion. The cavity can be defined by a clamp member.

The aforementioned gap between the holding formation on the carriage and the clamp member may include a gap between the protrusion and the clamp member, thereby allowing linear motion of the clamp member with respect to the protrusion.

The collaborative holding formations may include holding protrusions for holding the clamp member. The collaborative hold forming portion may comprise a surface of a clamp member for cooperating with the holding protrusion.

The holding protrusion may be provided on the aforementioned inner portion of the carriage.

The collaborative holding formations may include two of the holding protrusions, the clamp member being held between the holding protrusions. The collaborative holding formations may comprise two surfaces of the clamp member, each surface being arranged to collaborate with one of the retaining protrusions.

Each retaining protrusion may be provided on the aforementioned inner portion of the carriage. The holding protrusions may be placed opposite each other on the inner portion. Clamp members may be placed between the holding protrusions.

One of the protrusions and cavities can be on the retaining protrusion. The other of the protrusions and cavities can be on the clamp member.

If the collaborative retention forming part comprises two of the holding protrusions, one of the protrusions and cavities may be on one of the holding protrusions. The clamp member may have a corner. The other of the retaining protrusions may comprise a receiving element formed to accommodate said corners of the clamp member. The accepting element can be substantially V-shaped.

Alternatively, if the collaborative holding overhangs include two of the holding overhangs, each holding overhang may include a receiving element formed to accommodate the corners of the clamp member. The accepting element can be substantially V-shaped. The clamp member may have two opposing angles. Each of the retaining protrusions may comprise a receiving element formed to accommodate the respective corners of the clamp member.

The aforementioned gap between the holding formation on the carriage and the clamp member may include a gap between the receiving element of the holding protrusion and the corner of the clamping member, whereby the linear motion of the clamping member with respect to the receiving element. Enables.

The collaborative retention formations may include pivot formations. The collaborative retention formations may include pivotal protrusions.

The aforementioned gap between the holding formation and the clamp member on the carriage can be the gap between the pivot formation and the clamp member, thereby allowing linear motion of the clamp member with respect to the pivot formation. do.

The gap between the pivot forming portion and the clamp member can be in the range of 10% to 23.33% of the diameter of the pivot forming portion. Desirably, the gap between the pivot forming portion and the clamp member is in the range of 12.2% to 21.1% of the diameter of the pivot forming portion. Preferably, the gap between the pivot forming portion and the clamp member is in the range of 14.4% to 18.9% of the diameter of the pivot forming portion. A more preferred gap between the pivot forming portion and the clamp member is substantially 16.66% of the diameter of the pivot forming portion.

The gap between the pivot forming portion and the clamp member can be in the range of 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. Desirably, the gap between the pivot forming portion and the clamp member is in the range of 0.37 mm to 0.63 mm. Preferably, the gap between the pivot forming portion and the clamp member is in the range of 0.45 mm to 0.57 mm. A more preferred clearance between the pivot forming portion and the clamp member is substantially 0.5 mm.

The clamp member, the carriage, and the engaging surface together form a clamp mechanism.

The fixation device may include a blocking member covering the outlet opening. In the embodiments described herein, the blocking member may prevent the elongated article from being inserted into the housing through the outlet opening.

Each blocking member may include a tab portion extending over the outlet opening. Each blocking member may further include a mounting member for mounting the blocking member to the carriage or housing. Each attachment portion may extend from the respective tab portion and attach the respective blocking member to the carriage or housing at a location where each tab portion extends over the respective exit opening.

Here, at least one embodiment of the present invention will be described here, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is a top view of a fixed device. It is the first side view of the fixed device. It is the second side view of the fixed device. It is an exploded view of a fixed device. The top perspective view of the housing which forms a part of a fixed device is shown. A first side view of a housing forming a portion of a fixed device is shown. A second side view of the housing forming a portion of the fixed device is shown. The bottom view of the housing which forms a part of a fixed device is shown. It is a bottom view of the carriage which forms a part of a fixed device. It is a top view of the carriage which forms a part of a fixed device. It is the first side view of the carriage which forms a part of a fixed device. It is a second side view of the carriage which forms a part of a fixed device. It is a top perspective view of the carriage which forms a part of a fixed device. It is a top perspective view of the cover which forms a part of a fixed device. It is a bottom view of the cover which forms a part of a fixed device. It is a 1st side view of the cover which forms a part of a fixed device. It is a top view of the cover which forms a part of a fixed device. It is the second side view of the cover which forms a part of a fixed device. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional bottom view of a fixed device showing a first step of inserting an elongated article, wherein the clamp member is in the clamp position upon insertion of the first end of the elongated article into the fixed device. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional bottom view showing a second step in which the clamp member is moved away from the clamp position upon further insertion of the elongated article. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional bottom view of a fixed device showing a third step in which the clamp member is urged to the clamp position. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional bottom view of a fixed device showing a fourth step in which a first end of an elongated article is inserted and returned into the fixed device. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional bottom view of a fixed device showing a fifth step in which a first end of an elongated article is inserted and back through the fixed device to create a loop in the elongated article. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional bottom view of a fixed device showing a sixth step in which an elongated article is flipped through the fixed device to move the clamp member to the clamp position. It is sectional drawing bottom view of the fixed device which shows the 7th step which a clamp member is moved to a clamp position. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional bottom view showing an eighth step in which a clamping member is moved and clamped and engaged more tightly with an elongated article. It is sectional drawing bottom view of the fixed device which shows the step of releasing a clamp member from a clamp position. It is sectional drawing top view of the fixed device which shows the urging forming part. It is sectional drawing bottom view of the fixed device which shows the gap between the components. It is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 1B of a fixed device. It is sectional drawing bottom view of another embodiment of a fixed device.

The drawing shows a fixing device 10 for fixing two elongated articles 12 extending through the fixing device 10. The two elongated articles 12 can be two separate elongated articles or two paths of the same elongated article 12. For the purposes of this particular description, the fixation device 10 is described as being used with a single elongated article 12 placed in two paths through the fixation device 10.

The fixing device 10 comprises a housing 14, a carriage 16 within the housing 14, and a cover 18 on the housing 14, the cover 18 being arranged on the carriage 16. In the embodiment shown, the elongated article 12 is a monofilament made of a plastic material such as nylon.

Referring to FIG. 2, the urging forming portion 20 is provided on the carriage 16 and the clamp member 22 is held by the carriage 16. In the embodiments shown and described herein, the urging forming portion 20 is integrally formed with the carriage 16. The urging forming portion 20 and the carriage 16 are a single molded product formed by a molding process such as injection molding. The clamp member 22 is movable with respect to the carriage 16 as described in more detail below.

The housing 14, as shown in detail by FIGS. 3A-3D, comprises a cylindrical wall 24 extending around an internal region 26 of the housing 14. The wall 24 defines two pairs of opposing openings 28 in which the elongated article 12 extends.

Each pair of opposing openings 28 comprises an inlet opening 28A and an outlet opening 28B. The elongated article 12 is inserted into the housing 14 via the inlet opening 28A and exits the housing 14 via the exit opening 28B.

Each pair of opposing openings 28 defines a respective path 30 for the elongated article 12. The path 30 extends between the opposite inlet openings 28A and the exit openings 28B in each pair of openings 28. In FIG. 6, the path 30 is shown by a broken line.

The wall 24 also includes two opposing engaging members 32 in the form of segments of the cylindrical wall 24 (see FIG. 3A). Each of the engaging members 32 has an inwardly facing engaging surface 34, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8.

The engaging surfaces 34 face each other and face each other. The engaging surface 34 extends along the path 30 to provide a respective surface on which the two paths of a single elongated article 12 are clamped by the clamping member 22.

The carriage 16, the clamp member 22, and the engaging surface 34 together form a clamp mechanism. The clamping mechanism clamps the two paths of the elongated article 12.

The housing 14 also includes a pivot forming portion in the form of a pivot protrusion 36 for rotatably mounting the carriage 16 and the clamp member 22 on the housing 14. In addition, the housing 14 includes a support portion in the form of a plurality of elongated support members 38.

The support member 38 extends from the wall 24 to the central member 40, thereby supporting the pivot protrusion 36. The pivot protrusion 36 extends from the central member 40.

The pivot protrusion 36 is provided on the central member 40 and extends through the internal region 26 of the housing 14. In the orientation of the housing 14 shown in FIG. 3A, the pivot protrusion 36 extends upward from the central member 40.

The housing 14 has a flange member 42 extending radially outward from the wall 24. The purpose of the flange member 42 will be described below.

The wall 24 has two first fastening forming portions 44 held in the respective recesses 46 in the wall 24. The cover 18 has two corresponding second fastening forming portions 48 (see FIG. 2) for cooperating with the first fastening forming portion 44. The cooperation of the first fastening forming portion 44 with the second fastening forming portion 48 fixes the housing 14 to the cover 18. The first fastening forming portion 44 and the second fastening forming portion 48 will be described in more detail below.

The carriage 16 is shown in more detail by FIGS. 4A-4E and comprises a substantially cylindrical outer portion 50 and an elongated inner portion 52 extending across the outer portion 50. Two opposing elongated slots 54 are defined in the outer portion 50. The slot 54 allows the two paths of the elongated article 12 to extend through the outer portion 50.

The outer portion 50 extends around the inner region 56 of the carriage and has an open surface 58 to allow access to the inner region 56. The inner portion 52 extends across the inner region 56 of the carriage.

The wall 24 of the housing 14 is received in the inner region 56 of the carriage 16 so that when the fixation device 10 is assembled, the outer portion 50 of the carriage 16 extends around the wall 24. When so accepted, the opposing inlet openings 28A and outlet openings 28B in the wall 24 of the housing 14 are aligned with the opposed elongated slots 54 defined by the outer portion 50 of the carriage 16. The slot 54 is elongated and allows the carriage 16 to rotate as the two paths of the elongated article 12 extend through the fixed device 10.

When the wall 24 of the housing 14 is received in the outer portion 50 of the carriage 16, the wall 24 engages the flange member 42 and is supported by the flange member 42.

The elongated inner portion 52 has a first support surface 60 and a second support surface 62 facing in opposite directions. The first support surface 60 is oriented away from the inner region 56 where the outer portion 50 extends around it. The second support surface 62 faces in the inner region 56.

The urging forming portion 20 is provided on the first support surface 60 and is integrated with the urging forming portion 20. The second support surface 62 and the clamp member 22 are provided with a corresponding holding forming portion for holding the clamp member 22 on the second support surface 62.

The clamp member 22 includes a main portion 64 and an opposing clamp surface 66 on the main portion 64 (see FIG. 2). The clamp surface 66 is provided to provide a clamp engagement with the two paths of the elongated article 12. Each clamp surface 66 may be provided with teeth in the form of serrations that bite into the elongated article 12.

The collaborative holding forming portions include two holding protrusions 68 on the second support surface 62. The holding protrusion protrudes from the second support surface 62 and holds the clamp member 22 in the meantime. A protrusion 70 is provided on one of the holding protrusions 68. The protrusion 70 is received by a cavity 72 defined at its corner by the clamp member 22. The other of the holding protrusions 68 comprises a substantially V-shaped receiving element formed to receive the corners 74 of the clamp member 22. For this reason, the clamp member 22 is held by the carriage 16.

The inner portion 52 of the carriage 16 defines a central aperture 76 extending the pivot protrusion 36 for rotatably mounting the carriage 16 on the housing 14. The main portion 64 of the clamp member 22 defines the central aperture 78.

When the clamp member 22 is held by the holding forming portion of the carriage 16, the central aperture 76 defined by the carriage 16 is aligned with the central aperture 78 defined by the clamp member 22 so that the pivot protrusion 36 , Extending through both central apertures 76, 78. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 17, the central aperture 78 is circular so as to match the size and shape of the pivot protrusion 36.

The urging forming portion 20 includes a hub portion 80 (see FIG. 15) and two elongated elastic urging members 82 extending from the hub portion 80. Each urging member 82 has a proximal end 84 attached to the hub portion 80 and a tip 86 separated from the proximal end 84.

The tip 86 of each urging member 82 engages with the cover 18 to provide a reaction force to each urging member 82, as described below.

The cover 18 is shown in detail by FIGS. 5A-5E. The cover 18 comprises a capping portion 88 that extends over the housing 14 when the cover 18 is secured to the housing 14.

The first fastening forming portion 44 on the wall 24 of the housing 14 includes a detent member. The second fastening forming portion 48 on the cover 18 extends from the capping portion 88. Each second fastening forming portion 48 defines an aperture 90 for receiving the detent member of the first fastening forming portion 44, thereby fixing the housing 14 to the cover 18. The two corresponding second fastening forming portions 48 extend substantially perpendicular to the capping portion 88 in the same direction as each other from the capping portion 88.

As discussed above, the wall 24 of the housing 14 is accepted by the outer portion 50 of the carriage 16. The second fastening form 48 is also accepted by the outer portion 50 of the carriage 16 to engage the first fastening forming portion 44 on the wall 24 of the housing 14. From this, the outer portion 50 of the carriage 16 extends around the wall 24 and the second fastening forming portion 48, whereby the first fastening forming portion 44 and the second fastening forming portion 48 cooperate with each other. It works to allow the cover 18 to be fastened to the housing 14, thereby holding the outer portion 50 of the carriage 16 between the flange member 42 of the housing 14 and the capping portion 88 of the cover 18.

The cover 18 includes a pair of opposing reaction members 92, each reaction member 92 having its own reaction surface 94. The reaction surfaces 94 face each other.

In the embodiments shown, it will be appreciated that the reaction member 92 extends from the second fastening forming portion 48, but the reaction member 92 can be placed elsewhere around the cover 18.

The reaction members 92 extend in the same direction from the capping portion 88, thereby being arranged to face each other. As a result, the reaction member 92 defines a space between them where the urge formation portion 20 is accepted.

The tip 86 of each urging member 82 engages with each one of the reaction surfaces 94 and is elastically deformed by their engagement with the reaction surface 94, thereby causing the carriage 16 and the clamp member 22 to be first. It is rotatably urged in the direction so that the clamp member 22 is rotated towards the clamp position. The first direction is indicated by the arrow A in FIG.

There are two carriages 16 on the outer portion 50 to allow the user to rotate the carriage 16 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, as indicated by the arrow B in FIG. The handle portion 96 is provided. This will be described in more detail below.

The handle portion 96 is disposed on the outer portion 50 so as to substantially oppose each other and projects outward from the outer portion 50 between the capping portion 88 of the cover 18 and the flange member 42 of the housing 14.

When the carriage 16 is rotated in the second direction by twisting the carriage 16, the clamp member 22 is moved away from the clamp position, as shown in FIG. 14, of the fixing device 10 along the elongated article 12. Allows position adjustment.

Here, the operation of the fixed device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 15.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view through the fixing device 10 so that the clamp member 22 is visible. In FIG. 6, the clamp member 22 is in the clamp position. FIG. 15 shows another cross-sectional view in which the urging forming portion 20 can be seen. FIG. 15 shows the urging forming portion 20 in a state taken by the urging forming portion 20 when the clamp member 22 is in the clamp position.

The first end 12A of the elongated article 12 passes through the first slot of the opposing slots 54 in the outer portion 50 of the carriage 16 and the opposing inlet openings of the first pair of opposing openings 28. It is supplied into the housing 14 through one of the portions 28A.

The elongated article 12 is fed into the fixation device 10 in the direction indicated by the arrow C in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the elongated article 12 is fed along one of the paths 30 through the fixation device 10 and pushes the clamp member 22, so that the clamp member 22 and the carriage 16 are referred to by the arrow D in FIG. As shown by, the clamp member 22 is rotated away from the clamp position by rotating in the second direction. Such rotation of the clamp member 22 opposes the force applied to the carriage 16 by the urging member 82.

The rotation of the carriage 16 in the second direction indicated by the arrow D in FIG. 7 has the effect of rotating the urging member 82 in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. This effect slides the tip 86 of each urging member 82 across the respective reaction surface 94, thereby increasing the urging force applied by the urging member 82, indicating the carriage 16 by arrow A. It is to rotate back in the first direction.

Referring to FIG. 9, the elongated article 12 is further fed through the housing 14 and exits the fixation device 10 via the outlet opening 28B of the first pair of opposing openings 28. The elongated article 12 then extends through the fixation device 10 in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 9 until an elongated article 12 of suitable length extends from the outlet opening 28B of the first pair of openings 28. Supplied or pulled. The movement of the elongated article 12 is then stopped. The urging force applied to the carriage 16 by the urging forming portion 20 causes the carriage 16 and the clamp member 22 to rotate in the first direction indicated by the arrow E in FIG. As a result, the teeth on the clamp surface 66 bite into the elongated article 12.

The first end 12A of the elongated article 12 is supplied through an item to be suspended, eg, a hole in the sign. The first end 12A then passes through the second slot of the opposing slots 54 and at the entrance of the second pair of opposing openings 28, as indicated by the arrows G in FIGS. 9 and 10. It is supplied and returned into the fixed device 10 through the opening 28A. A loop 100 is thus created in the flexible elongated article 12 to allow the elongated article 12 to hold the item. FIG. 9 does not show the item to be suspended, but shows the first end 12A fed back into the fixed device 10.

The elongated article 12 is then fed back through the fixation device 10 along the second path 30. The first end 12A of the elongated article 12 engages with and pushes against the clamp member 22. This causes the clamp member 22 and the carriage 16 to rotate in the second direction so that the clamp member 22 is moved away from the clamp position again, as indicated by the arrows H in FIGS. 9 and 10.

Referring to FIG. 11, the elongated article 12 continues to be fed through the housing 14 until the first end 12A exits the fixation device 10 through the exit opening 28B of the second pair of openings 28. Here, from this, two paths of the elongated article 12 extend through the fixed device 10.

The movement of the elongated article 12 is then stopped. The urging force applied to the carriage 16 by the urging forming portion 20 urges the carriage 16 and the clamp member 22 in the first direction indicated by the arrow J in FIG. As a result, each clamp surface 66 engages each one of the paths of the elongated article 12. The teeth on each of the clamp surfaces 66 bite into each one of the paths of the elongated article 12.

In order to clamp the elongated article 12 firmly by the clamping member 22, the two paths of the elongated article 12 are then fed into the fixation device, as indicated by the arrows K and L in FIGS. 11 and 12. It is pulled in the opposite direction. This further pulls the clamp member 22 and the carriage 16 in the direction indicated by the arrow M in FIG. 12, thereby rotating the clamp member 22 so that the clamp surface 66 is pulled with each path of the elongated article 12. Firmly clamped and engaged. For this reason, the clamping member 22 clamps the two paths of the elongated article 12 to the respective engaging surfaces 34.

Referring to FIG. 14, the clamp member 22 and the elongated article 12 by moving the handle portion 96 in the direction indicated by the arrow N in FIG. 14 and thereby twisting the carriage 16 in the second direction indicated by the arrow B. Can be released from the clamp engagement of. This rotates the clamp member 22 so that it disengages from the clamp engagement with both paths of the elongated article 12. The fixation device 10 can then be removed from the elongated article 12 or its position can be adjusted accordingly.

Each of the outlet openings 28B is provided with a blocking member 97 to prevent the elongated article 12 from being inserted into the housing 14 through the outlet opening 28B instead of through the inlet opening 28A. The blocking member 97 is shown as part of the fixing device 10 shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 shows only one blocking member 97 covering one of the outlet openings 28B. It will be appreciated that the fixation device 10 includes a second blocking member 97 provided on the opposite side of the carriage 16 over the other exit opening 28B.

Each blocking member 97 comprises a tab portion 98 that covers and extends around the outlet opening 28B. Each blocking member 97 extends from the tab portion 98 and is a mounting member 99 for attaching the respective blocking member 97 to the carriage 16 at a location where each tab portion 98 extends over the respective outlet openings 28B. Further includes.

When the elongated article 12 is correctly inserted into the housing 14 via the inlet opening 28A and exits through the exit opening 28B, the elongated article 12 pushes out the blocking member 97. However, if the user attempts to insert the elongated article 12 into the outlet opening 28B, the tab portion 98 prevents such insertion.

FIG. 13 shows a situation when a significant load is applied to the loop formed by the elongated article 12. In such a situation, the movement of the elongated article 12 in the direction indicated by the arrows P and R further rotates the clamp member 22 and the carriage 16 in the direction indicated by the arrow S. This rotates the clamp member 22 to engage even more tightly with both paths of the elongated article 12.

Referring to FIG. 16, the two regions are marked I and II. These areas show the gaps between the components of the fixed device 10.

The area marked I indicates a first gap, that is, a gap between the wall 24 of the housing 14 and the outer portion 50 of the carriage 16. In the embodiment shown, the first gap is substantially 3.51% of the outer diameter of the wall of the housing 14. In the embodiment shown, the first gap is substantially 0.61 mm.

The region marked II indicates a second gap, that is, a gap between the clamp member 22 and the pivot protrusion 36. In the embodiment shown, the second gap is substantially 16.66% of the diameter of the pivot protrusion 36. In the embodiment shown, the second gap is substantially 0.5 mm.

The above-mentioned gaps between the various components shown above allow linear motion between the carriage 16 and the housing 14, and between the protrusion 70 on the carriage and the clamp member 22 in the cavity 72. This linear motion allows various components to shift their positions when the diameters of the elongated articles 12 are different in the two paths of the elongated article 12, thereby ensuring that both paths of the elongated article 12 are tight. Guarantee to be clamped.

In addition to the gaps shown in the areas marked I and II, there may also be gaps between the corner 74 and the holding protrusion 68 and between the pivot protrusion 36 and the clamp member 22.

This describes a fixed device 10 comprising a single rotatable clamping member 22 mounted on a single rotatable carriage 16 that clamps and releases the two paths of the elongated article 12. The fixation device 10 allows the release of both paths of the elongated article 12 by a single twist of the rotatable carriage 16. Both paths of the elongated article 12 can be clamped and released by a single rotation of one component.

The embodiments described herein provide the advantage of being a lightweight product. The elongated article 12 can be made of a plastic material, which allows the elongated article 12 to be transparent / translucent. The product has aesthetic quality and is suitable for situations where the hanger needs to be very unobtrusive. The fixed device 10 allows for quick and easy installation and is cheaper than prior art devices.

The clamping mechanism is suitable for gripping an elongated article 12 in the form of a monofilament.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the clamp surface 66 may lack teeth. In another modification, the housing 14 may lack the pivot protrusion 36.

Further modifications are shown in FIG. Except for the features discussed below, the fixed device 10 shown in FIG. 18 has all the features of the fixed device 10 described above and shown in FIGS. 1-17.

The features shown in FIG. 18, which are the same as the features shown in FIGS. 1 to 17, are indicated by the same reference numbers as the features shown in FIGS. 1 to 17.

In the fixed device 10 shown in FIG. 18, there is no protrusion 70 on any of the two holding protrusions 68. In addition, there is no cavity 72 defined by the clamp member 22. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, both holding protrusions 68 include a substantially V-shaped receiving element formed to receive each corner 74 of the clamp member 22.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the clamp member 22 defines an elongated central aperture 178. The elongated central aperture 178 shown in FIG. 18 is sized to accommodate the pivot protrusion 36 through it.

The elongated central aperture 178 provides the advantage of allowing the clamp member 22 to move relative to the pivot protrusion 36 and center itself with respect to the internal region 26 of the housing 14.

Claims (25)

A fixing device for fixing an elongated article, wherein the fixing device includes a rotatable clamp member, a support mechanism for supporting the clamp member, and the clamp member is rotatable on the support mechanism. Installed, the fixation device defines a path for the elongated article, the clamp member is rotatably movable in the path, and the support mechanism places the clamp member in a clamp position in the path. A fixed device further comprising an urging form for urging. The fixing device of claim 1, wherein the support mechanism comprises a rotatable carriage, wherein the clamp member is held on the carriage, whereby rotation of the carriage results in rotation of the clamp member. The fixing device according to claim 2, wherein the urging forming portion is provided on the carriage, and the carriage is rotatable so as to move the clamp member away from the clamp position to the release position. The carriage is rotatable in a first direction to rotate the clamp member to the clamp position, and the carriage rotates the clamp member to the release position to release the elongated article. The fixed device according to claim 2 or 3, which is rotatable in a second direction opposite to the direction of 1. The fixing device according to claim 4, wherein the carriage is rotatably urged by the urging forming portion in the first direction so as to move the clamp member in the path. The fixed device of claim 4 or 5, wherein the carriage comprises a handle portion for allowing the user to rotate the carriage in the second direction. 2. The carriage comprises an outer portion and an inner portion, wherein the outer portion extends around an inner region of the carriage, and the carriage comprises an inner portion extending across the inner region. The fixed device according to any one of 6 to 6. 17. The fixed device of claim 7, wherein the outer portion defines an opposed access forming portion to allow access to and from an internal region of the carriage by the elongated article. The fixed device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the urging forming portion is provided on the inner portion. The fixing device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the fixing device includes a housing for accommodating the clamp member, and the carriage is rotatably mounted on the housing. 10. The fixing device of claim 10, wherein the housing comprises an engaging surface for engaging the elongated article when the clamp member is urged and clamp-engaged with the elongated article. The housing comprises a wall extending around an internal region of the housing, the internal region being arranged to receive the urging form, the wall being capable of extending the elongated article. 10. The fixed device of claim 10 or 11, which defines a pair of opposing openings. 11. The fixing device of claim 11, wherein the housing comprises a support portion for supporting the pivot forming portion, wherein the support portion comprises a plurality of elongated support members extending from a wall to a central member. 10. The support mechanism comprises a pivot forming portion for rotatably mounting the clamp member on the support mechanism, and the housing includes a support portion for supporting the pivot forming portion, claim 10. 11. The fixed device according to 12. 14. The fixed device of claim 14, wherein the carriage defines an aperture for receiving the pivot forming portion, wherein the pivot forming portion rotatably mounts the carriage on the housing. Of claims 1-15, the clamp member comprises a main portion and a clamp surface on the main portion, wherein the clamp surface is for providing the aforementioned clamp engagement with the elongated article. The fixed device according to any one of the above. 16. The 16th aspect of claim 14, wherein the main portion of the clamp member is dependent on claim 14, defining an aperture to which the pivot forming portion extends in order to rotatably mount the clamp member on the housing. The fixed device described. The urging forming portion comprises a hub portion and an urging member extending from the hub portion, and the fixed device applies a reaction force to the urging forming portion, thereby exerting a reaction force on the urging forming portion. The fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a reaction surface for urging the clamp member to the clamp position. 18. The fixed device of claim 18, wherein the fixed device includes a cover that can be placed on the housing so as to cover the carriage, and the reaction surface is provided on the cover and is dependent on claim 10. .. The carriage and the clamp member are claimed to include a cooperating holding form for holding the clamp member on the carriage, thereby allowing the clamp member and the carriage to rotate together. The fixed device according to claim 15, which is subordinate to 2. 20. The collaborative holding forming portion comprises a holding protrusion on the carriage for holding the clamp member and a surface of the clamp member for cooperating with the holding protrusion. Fixed device. The collaborative holding and forming portion comprises two of the holding and projecting portions, the clamp member is held between the holding and projecting portions, and the collaborative holding and forming portion is two of the clamp members. 21. The fixed device of claim 21, further comprising surfaces, each surface being arranged to cooperate with one of the retaining protrusions. 22. The fixing device of claim 22, wherein each retaining protrusion comprises a receiving element formed to receive the corners of the clamp member, the receiving element being substantially V-shaped. 22. The clamp member has two opposing corners, the retaining protrusion comprises a respective receiving element, and each receiving element is formed to receive the respective corner of the clamp member. 22. Or the fixed device according to 23. A fixing mechanism comprising the fixing device according to claim 1 and an elongated article.

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